Luke 24:46
and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to overlook that Jesus isn't just announcing a future event, but declaring its absolute necessity. The phrase "it is written" combined with the implication of "thus it behoved" (meaning it was proper, fitting, or required) points to a divine plan unfolding precisely as prophesied. This wasn't a random tragedy, but the intended path for the Messiah.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples, who are still reeling from his crucifixion and unsure if he's truly alive. He’s opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, showing them how everything predicted in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms pointed to his suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day. This revelation is crucial for them to grasp the full meaning of his mission before he sends them out to preach.
Did Jesus' suffering and resurrection happen by chance? Or was it part of a much bigger, divinely orchestrated plan?
Jesus' followers, hearing Him speak after His resurrection, were being reminded of a truth woven throughout Scripture: His suffering and rising were not unexpected events. The text says, 'Thus it is written...' This points to the Old Testament prophecies.
The Inevitable Path
Why does the text specifically say 'the Christ' and not just 'Christ'?
When Luke records Jesus' words, he uses the definite article, referring to Him as 'the Christ.' This isn't just a casual mention; it's deeply significant.
The Messiah, Foretold
Understand the original words
Christos · Greek Noun
The Greek term for the Hebrew 'Messiah,' referring to the Anointed One of God who fulfills the Old Testament prophecies regarding the redeemer of Israel. He is the central figure of the New Testament, embodying the roles of prophet, priest, and king.
Jesus' immediate post-resurrection instruction to his disciples directly connects his suffering and resurrection to the Old Testament scriptures, highlighting that these events, though shocking, were divinely ordained and foretold.
c. 1500 BC
Exodus and Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishing a covenant relationship with them. This event is foundational to Jewish identity and understanding of God's promises.
c. 950 BC
Building of the First Temple
King Solomon builds the Temple in Jerusalem, establishing a central place for worship and sacrifice. The Temple's destruction would later become a significant prophetic theme.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
Babylonian forces conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and exile much of the population. This event marked a profound crisis for Jewish faith and identity.
c. 516 BC
Return and Rebuilding of Temple
Exiles return from Babylon and rebuild the Temple, marking a return of national and religious life, though under foreign rule.
This passage directly foretells the suffering of the 'servant of the Lord' as an atoning sacrifice for sins, laying the groundwork for the New Testament understanding of Christ's suffering.
Psalm 16:10This psalm is quoted by Peter in Acts 2:25-28, pointing to the resurrection of the Messiah and the impossibility of his soul being left in the realm of the dead.
Hosea 6:2This verse speaks of God reviving His people after two days and on the third day raising them up, which Jesus and the apostles understood as a prophecy of His own resurrection.
1 Corinthians 15:3-4This passage is a foundational summary of the gospel, echoing Luke 24:46 by stating that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, was buried, and rose again on the third day, also according to the Scriptures.
pooleLuke 24:46: "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"
All the Divine predictions are certain and infallible. The Jews did maliciously and freely prosecute our Saviour to death, and God did certainly foresee how their wills would be determined, and the event was accomplished accordingly.
vincentLuke 24:46: "And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:"
Thus it behovedThe best texts omit. Render, as Rev., thus it is written that the Christ should suffer.Christ (τὸν Χριστὸν)Note the article, the Christ, and see on Matthew 1:1.
It's easy to overlook that Jesus isn't just announcing a future event, but declaring its absolute necessity. The phrase "it is written" combined with the implication of "thus it behoved" (meaning it was proper, fitting, or required) points to a divine plan unfolding precisely as prophesied. This wasn't a random tragedy, but the intended path for the Messiah.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples, who are still reeling from his crucifixion and unsure if he's truly alive. He’s opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, showing them how everything predicted in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms pointed to his suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day. This revelation is crucial for them to grasp the full meaning of his mission before he sends them out to preach.
Jesus has just appeared to his disciples, who are still reeling from his crucifixion and unsure if he's truly alive. He’s opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, showing them how everything predicted in the Law, Prophets, and Psalms pointed to his suffering, death, and resurrection on the third day. This revelation is crucial for them to grasp the full meaning of his mission before he sends them out to preach.
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Why is the suffering and the rising from the dead so crucial to the Gospel message?
Jesus explicitly links His suffering and His resurrection on the third day. This isn't an either/or situation; both are indispensable parts of God's plan and the core of the Christian faith.
The Dual Necessity
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life, Ministry, and Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus lives, teaches, and performs miracles, culminating in his crucifixion in Jerusalem. His followers believe he is the promised Messiah.
AD 30/33— this verse
Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified and buried, but his followers report that he rose from the dead on the third day. This event is the cornerstone of Christian faith.
c. AD 40-60
Early Church Spreads the Gospel
The apostles and early believers begin proclaiming Jesus' resurrection and message of repentance throughout the Roman Empire, beginning in Jerusalem.
"and said to them, “Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead," — It's easy to overlook that Jesus isn't just announcing a future event, but declaring its absolute necessity. The phrase "it is written" combined with the implication of "thus it behoved" (meaning it…
